Beyond the Classroom: Connecting Students to Real World Scientific Research

Science competitions are evolving beyond the traditional science fair to reflect the growing sophistication of the teaching techniques and resources available today. Technology that was once the reserve of post-graduates is now available to high school and even middle school levels and the depth and range of projects they can do has exploded. Students who take advantage of the opportunity to undertake original science projects at the competition level stand to reap significant rewards in terms of recognition and college scholarship. At the very least, they get to experience working in a collegiate, collaborative atmosphere and making professional contacts.